- Contribute to the delivery of a data and analytics service supporting Parks Australia’s conservation and operational outcomes.
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Provide data governance, coordination and advisory services to help staff manage data in a consistent and practical way.
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Work as a key connector across parks, science, policy, corporate and ICT functions to support data-informed outcomes and capability uplift.
Who we are
Australia’s natural and cultural heritage is unique. Our land and seascapes are distinctive, home to plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, and to some of the oldest living cultures on earth. These environments and cultures are an essential part of our national identity, and visitors travel from across the country and the world to experience them. The Director of National Parks (the Director) is responsible for six national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, 58 Australian Marine Parks and the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Parks Australia is the federal park agency that supports the Director, and they are a division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the Department). We work to showcase these natural and cultural wonders to the world, demonstrating to all why these places are so special, and inspiring communities to become more invested in their care and future.
The Science and Australian National Botanic Gardens Branch leads science and conservation planning and policy for Parks Australia, and conducts research in conservation and biodiversity management through a range of programs. We engage in and coordinate diverse research partnerships and ensure First Nations knowledge and innovative solutions are core to our work, enabling us to enhance engagement and embed science into decision-making at all levels.
Our work includes:
- Strategic science planning and prioritisation and shaping research partnerships for Parks Australia.
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Leading cross-cutting research to support Parks Australia – in areas such as climate change adaptation, nature positive and knowledge weaving.
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Providing scientific support for Protected Areas policy and Park Management Plans.
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Managing the Australian National Botanic Gardens, home to our Branch and the nation’s largest living collection of native plants.
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Innovation in the cross-cutting application of new technologies and data analytics to meet science and application outcomes.
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Facilitating research and science capacity building and education.
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Curating national collections of biological data and conserving and protecting plants through systematics research, seed banking and ex situ conservation.
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Climate adaption and policy for Parks Australia.
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Evaluation and reporting to understand management effectiveness and performance of our parks, gardens and agency.
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Data and information systems services for Parks Australia.
The Parks Australia Data and Information Centre is a new, organisation-wide service. The Centre leads and is accountable for Parks Australia’s data governance and management functions and the development of modern data systems and platforms, enabling streamlined data storage, access and integration across science, operations and corporate functions. It provides information services, spatial analysis, analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities, and delivers data and outputs for Parks Australia’s management effectiveness system. As a central and trusted service, it will bring together data governance, information management, analytics and emerging technologies—providing clear guidance, shared tools and expert support to help teams find, access and use data in their day-to-day work and make better-informed decisions. As a major producer and user of environmental data, Parks Australia is positioning the Centre within the broader environmental data landscape, connecting to national data networks to ensuring our data is interoperable, accessible and contributes to a wider ecosystem of environmental knowledge. The Centre team works collaboratively across parks, science, policy, corporate and ICT functions to deliver a coordinated approach and alignment to broader Departmental and Australian Government requirements.
The job
The APS 6 Data Manager contributes to the delivery of a cross-divisional data and analytics service, supporting Parks Australia staff to manage data in a consistent, governed and practical way. The role focuses on providing governance, coordination and advisory services across the organisation, helping teams navigate data requirements, establish fit-for-purpose practices and connect with the right tools, systems and expertise. As part of a small, nationally dispersed team, the role acts as a key interface between business areas, supporting collaboration, driving consistency and contributing to shared solutions that can be scaled across Parks Australia. Working under limited direction, the role leads discrete pieces of work, builds relationships and provides high-quality specialist advice to support the delivery of data-informed outcomes.
This position is responsible for delivering a range of activities, including but not limited to:
- Provide data governance and information management support services to staff across Parks Australia.
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Act as a central point of coordination, helping teams navigate data processes, requirements and available services.
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Support a consistent, enterprise approach to data while recognising diverse operational contexts across parks and programs.
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Develop and implement practical data governance frameworks, standards and guidance that support consistent data management across the organisation.
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Provide advice on data roles, responsibilities, stewardship and accountability.
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Contribute to governance processes, forums and decision-making.
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Provide expert advice on data management practices, including metadata, data quality, lifecycle management and authoritative sources.
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Support coordination of datasets, systems and approaches across teams to improve consistency and reuse.
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Identify opportunities for standardisation and alignment across divisions.
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Build strong relationships across Parks Australia and the Department, acting as a trusted advisor and connector.
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Engage with park managers, scientists, policy teams and corporate functions to understand needs and support practical solutions.
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Facilitate workshops, working groups and collaborative activities to support shared outcomes.
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Contribute to communities of practice and networks that strengthen data capability and collaboration.
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Support staff to build confidence and capability in managing and using data.
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Contribute to development of guidance, training materials and communication products.
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Provide mentoring and support to APS staff and other team members.
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Prepare briefings, reports and advice for internal stakeholders and governance forums.
What you'll gain from the experience
This role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the establishment of a new, enterprise-level data and analytics service across Parks Australia. The successful candidate will gain experience leading and shaping data governance, coordination and service delivery within a complex and nationally significant organisation, while supporting work across a broad range of functions including parks, science, corporate and ICT environments. The role offers strong opportunities to build professional networks and act as a key connector across the organisation, while working at the intersection of data, operations and policy to support evidence-based decision-making. The successful candidate will be part of a collaborative and supportive team focused on continuous improvement and capability uplift, with opportunities to strengthen leadership skills and contribute to meaningful, long-term organisational outcomes.
What we are looking for
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:
- Experience in data governance, information management or related disciplines, including developing or applying frameworks, standards or structured approaches.
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Strong understanding of Australian Government data, information and governance requirements.
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Understanding of, or ability to develop knowledge of, Indigenous data governance principles and culturally appropriate data management practices, including respectful engagement with First Nations data in line with Australian Government frameworks.
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Ability to provide clear, practical and specialist advice to a range of stakeholders with different levels of technical understanding.
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Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to build relationships and work across organisational boundaries.
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Ability to lead discrete pieces of work and deliver outcomes with limited direction.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing guidance, briefings and documentation.
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Ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
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Ability to exercise sound judgement and handle sensitive information appropriately.
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Demonstrated commitment to the APS Values and Code of Conduct.
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Ability to work effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, partners and knowledge systems on data related projects and initiatives.
Desirable qualifications
- Tertiary qualifications in information management, information systems, data management, data science or related area.
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Experience working in environmental, scientific, monitoring or spatial data environments, or within a cross-agency or service delivery function, is highly desirable.
Eligibility
Citizenship - to be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.
Security Clearance - this position requires a
Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
Pre-employment checks - your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment
You may use AI tools to support your participation in this recruitment process, unless advised otherwise. If you use AI, you must ensure your use is transparent, authentic and truthful, and that all information reflects your own skills and experience.
The department may use AI in a limited, transparent and responsible way to support parts of this recruitment process. AI does not make decisions - all assessments and selection outcomes are made by people.
For more information, see:
- Artificial Intelligence Transparency Statement
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AI in recruitment | Australian Public Service Commission
